Nelson on Democrat Win

Published November 6th, 2008

This week was a historic moment in U.S. history... and even more so for the Democratic Party. Barack Obama will be the next President... Democrats picked up at least five seats in the Senate... and took at least 22 house seats from Republicans.

A day after Senator Barack Obama's presidential win Florida Democratic Senator Bill Nelson made a stop on the U-F campus. He had a lot to say about what it meant for his party including why he thought Obama pulled a victory in Florida and what he will need to do as President.

After months of campaigning America now has its next president.

Here in Florida Democratic Senator Bill Nelson says it took a number of things working in unison for Barack Obama to win the state and it's 27 electoral votes.

"He listened, he was smart, he used his money wisely, they had the most extensive ground operation that I have ever seen in the state of Florida."

Leading into the election Florida was listed as a key battleground state. Senator Nelson says Obama's huge victory reflects a change for the entire country.

"What we have is a state that increasingly changes to be a mirror image of America."

But even with additional wins in the House and Senate...the Democratic Party and Barack Obama inherit numerous problems with the economy, health care and energy.

"It's going to be sometimes very difficult to do but if he does it for the country he does it for us.

Those issues require long-term solutions but other changes could appear soon.

Nelson says he thinks Barack Obama will immediately improve America's standing abroad... something he says has been tarnished by the Bush Administration.

For now Senator Nelson is focusing on the new way he will address Senators Obama and Biden.

A statement was issued by Florida republican Senator Mel Martinez.

He said "I congratulate President-elect Obama and vice president-elect Biden."

This is truly a historic moment and a time for our country to pull together and support our President-elect and do all we can to help him be successful.